The Big Domo

Countless local businesses have succumbed to the economic strains of the last year, often quietly. Plum Elements is different. Owner Andrea Schenck wanted to close the store the same way she opened it: With a party. “I’ve enjoyed doing it,” she says. “People have enjoyed being here and I wanted to celebrate Plum Elements, and more importantly wanted to express my appreciation for everybody, to everybody that took part.”

Schenck will say goodbye with the Big Domo (pronounced doe-moe, which is informal for thank you in Japanese). There will be one-night-only sale items, and many of the artists who showed their work at Plum Elements over the years will be at the party, giving customers a chance to meet the people behind the pieces they own.

In the store’s tradition of supporting the city’s jazz performers, Leah Suarez & Friends will perform. Schenck wanted Plum Elements to be a part of the community as well as help build the community; the Big Domo is an opportunity for everyone who took part to come together one last time. —Susan Cohen